11 Million Americans at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease

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Diabetic retinopathy, the most common type of diabetic eye disease, affects more than 7 million Americans and that number is expected to rise to 11 million by 2030, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).

Latinos, American Indians and African Americans are at higher risk.

“Only about half of all people with diabetes get an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam, which is essential for detecting diabetic eye disease early, when it is most treatable,” Dr. Paul Sieving, director of the NEI said in a press release.

Diabetic eye disease is a group of conditions including cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy and everyone with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is at risk.

What can you do if you have diabetes?

  • Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor
  • Reach and maintain a healthy weight
  • Add physical activity to your daily routine
  • Control your ABC’s-A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
  • Kick the smoking habit.

The NEI also recommends to have annual comprehensive dilated eye exams to help protect your sight. Early detection and treatment can reduce a person’s risk for severe vision loss by up to 95%.

For more info on diabetic eye disease, visit NEI or call 301-496-5248.

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